Hi, I'm trying to build a Jacob's ladder or maybe a Tesla coil. What should I use to get enough voltage? A lot of resistors or a transformer? (Are they also safe for humans?)
No, you could die. Resistors do not increase voltage. Transformers do. However, you can also get high voltages via a Van de Graff generator, although a big one can still be dangerous.
I don't think there is any way to use resistors to increase voltage. Neon sign transformers are the usual choice, but they are not safe for humans. Death is not rare and they likely cause illegal radio interference. Voltage multipliers are likely safer, but the Jacob's ladder arc will be dimmer and shorter. Neil
